New Laws that Affect Drivers Under the Age of 18!

2008 brought some changes to the law that affect children under the age of 18. Outlined below are the most common laws that will apply to your child.

Curfew - There is a state-wide curfew for everyone under the age of 17. It is unlawful for those under the age of 17 to be out between the hours of 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., Sunday – Thursday; and 12 a.m.to6 a.m., Friday – Saturday.

The Village of Lincolnshire’s curfew ordinance mirrors state law. Other municipalities may have a stricter ordinance in place. It’s important to check with other municipalities before assuming their ordinance is the same.

It’s important to remember if your child is found to be in violation of the above curfew hours they are subject to arrest.

Nighttime Driving Restriction - This is a new law in Illinois. This restriction limits how late drivers under the age of 18 are allowed to be operating a vehicle. The nighttime driving restriction has nothing to do with the curfew law. All Drivers under the age of 18 may not drive a vehicle between the hours of 10 p.m.and 6 a.m. Sunday - Thursday.

Number of Passengers - For the first year of licensing, or until the driver is age 18, whichever occurs first, the number of passengers is limited to one person under age 20, unless the additional passenger(s) is a sibling, step-sibling, child, or step-child of the driver. After this period, the number of passengers is limited to one in the front seat and the number of safety belts in the back seat.

Seat Belt Use - Everyone under the age of 19 is required to wear their seatbelt regardless of where they are sitting in the vehicle.

Under 18 Cell Phone Use - Cell phone use while driving is prohibited, except in the case of an emergency to contact a law enforcement agency, health care provider or emergency services agency.

If you have any questions regarding any of the new changes that are in place, please contact Officer Chris Covelli of the Traffic Safety Unit at 847-913-2648. Information can also be found at www.cyberdriveillinois.com.